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17.1 Guardian ad Litem

(a) Qualifications. A person is qualified to be a guardian ad litem if he or she:

(1) has no interest adverse to the ward;

(2) is not financially connected with the ward's attorney, the opposing party, or opposing party's counsel; and

(3) has sufficient means to answer to the ward for any injury caused by the guardian's negligence or misconduct.

(b) Appointment.

(1) A person or party may file an ex parte petition for appointment of a guardian ad litem. The petition must set forth the reasons appointment is necessary.

(2) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem sua sponte or act on a petition. If the court grants a petition for appointment, it may appoint a person other than the petitioner as guardian ad litem.

(c) Bond. Before receiving money or property on the ward's behalf, a guardian must post a bond in an amount fixed by the presiding judge.